New ordinance makes it illegal to leave dogs outdoors in bad weather

WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

A new ordinance in Dane County, Wisconsin makes it illegal for a dog to be left outside, without appropriate shelter, for more than 15 minutes during inclement weather, including both extremely cold AND extremely hot days.

Lead animal control officer Patrick Comfert explained to WKOW, “That’s weather like we’re having right now, where the dog could freeze to death, [with] frostbite would suffer injury,” says Comfert. “Same thing in the summer, if it was super hot and sunny and it was going to overheat.”

Comfert and other animal control officers respond to every call they receive reporting an animal in distress. After so many calls due to dogs left outside and without adequate shelter, the ordinance was put into place. Additionally, the officers understand that certain breeds, like Huskies or Malamutes can thrive in cold, snowy weather, but insists they absolutely must still have shelter, with appropriate bedding like hay or straw, available.

Would you welcome this same ordinance in your own community?

Reviews & Comments

Related posts
Louisiana ‘vicious dog ban’ puts pit bulls and rottweilers at risk of euthanasiaLouisiana ‘vicious dog ban’ puts pit bulls and rottweilers at risk of euthanasia
Dog overheating symptoms, risk factors and what to do to cool overheated dogsDog overheating symptoms, risk factors and what to do to cool overheated dogs
Protecting dogs in hot cars: what is your state’s law?Protecting dogs in hot cars: what is your state’s law?
Will chicago vote to ban retail puppy sales today?Will chicago vote to ban retail puppy sales today?
Dogs left out in the cold will be confiscated by st. Louis policeDogs left out in the cold will be confiscated by st. Louis police
Nc legislation will allow breaking into vehicles to rescue dogs from hot carsNc legislation will allow breaking into vehicles to rescue dogs from hot cars
Caring for your short-faced dog in hot weatherCaring for your short-faced dog in hot weather
Breaking news – indianapolis sets new law to ensure pets don’t get left out in the coldBreaking news – indianapolis sets new law to ensure pets don’t get left out in the cold
Cold weather, pets and those cute outfitsCold weather, pets and those cute outfits
Do you know a dog in need of a free dog house?Do you know a dog in need of a free dog house?
Dog left tied outside in freezing temperatures thanks his rescuer with kisses!Dog left tied outside in freezing temperatures thanks his rescuer with kisses!
Heat stroke in dogs: what you need to knowHeat stroke in dogs: what you need to know
Illinois lawmakers considering new rules for pet shops to help stop puppy millsIllinois lawmakers considering new rules for pet shops to help stop puppy mills
Is it too cold to leave your dog outside?Is it too cold to leave your dog outside?
Montreal spca circulating petition to end permanent dog chaining in the provinceMontreal spca circulating petition to end permanent dog chaining in the province
Protect your dog with this weather shieldProtect your dog with this weather shield
Some cities want to pass ‘pre-bite’ ordinancesSome cities want to pass ‘pre-bite’ ordinances
Warning – you risk a fine for a pet left outside in the coldWarning – you risk a fine for a pet left outside in the cold
This law protects dogs from the sweltering heat when temperatures get dangerously highThis law protects dogs from the sweltering heat when temperatures get dangerously high
San diego joins la in banning pet store sales of puppiesSan diego joins la in banning pet store sales of puppies